Roofing in Pickering

Access and safety costs (scaffolding, edge protection), roof pitch and height, tear-off vs overlay, material grade, and how honestly hidden deck repair is priced. A low bid that excludes safety equipment and deck contingency isn't cheaper — it's just billed later.

Sometimes — an overlay saves tear-off cost but hides deck problems, adds weight, and often shortens the new roof's life and warranty. Many codes and manufacturers limit roofs to two layers. Tear-off costs more upfront and is usually the better long-term decision; get both options priced.

Repair when damage is localised — a few slipped tiles, one flashing leak — and the roof is under about two-thirds of its expected life. Replace when leaks recur in different places, more than roughly 30% of the covering is failing, or repair quotes start approaching a third of replacement cost. A good roofer will show you photos from the roof to justify either answer.

Flashing is the metal detailing that seals joints — around chimneys, valleys, vents, skylights and wall junctions. These joints move and collect water flow, so flashing fails long before the main covering. If a roofer proposes reusing old flashing on a full replacement, push back.

Two separate ones: a manufacturer warranty on materials (often 20-50 years, sometimes conditional on certified installation) and the contractor's own workmanship warranty (5-10 years is respectable). Get both in writing and understand what voids them — foot traffic, unventilated attics and pressure washing are common exclusions.

Missing, cracked or slipped tiles/shingles; granules collecting in gutters; daylight visible in the attic; damp patches or staining on top-floor ceilings; sagging roof lines; and moss holding moisture against the surface. Catching these early usually means a repair instead of a replacement.

A typical asphalt shingle replacement runs CAD $8,000-$25,000 with most homes landing around $12,000-$15,000; metal roofs run $18,000-$50,000. Per-square-foot pricing of $5-$13 installed is typical for asphalt.

It's possible but not ideal — shingle adhesive strips need warmth to seal, and snow slows and endangers crews. Most contractors work April-November; winter work is usually limited to emergency repairs and ice-dam mitigation.